By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Ministry of Defence on Thursday hosted a delegation from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Senior Course 47, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen regional defence cooperation and promote strategic collaboration within West Africa.
In an official signed statement by Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence, Enderline Chukwu, the Ministry said the delegation’s visit formed part of a regional study tour aimed at fostering professional exchange and enhancing understanding of defence administration and industrial development across Africa.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, the Director of Joint Services Department, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, described Nigeria and Ghana as pivotal to the stability and economic advancement of West Africa.
She stated that both countries had continued to build strong economic and defence collaboration over the years, stressing that peace and security remained fundamental to the development of the African continent.
Olaniyi noted that Nigeria was working tirelessly to ensure peace and stability within the country and across Africa, adding that the success of the defence sector was critical to continental growth and development.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to deepening partnerships with African nations and promoting collaborative initiatives targeted at enhancing peace, security and sustainable development across the region.
The Ministry also reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen bilateral collaboration with Ghana in critical defence and security areas.
During a presentation to the delegation, Assistant Director (Special Project), Joint Services Department, Mrs Fatima Mowarin, highlighted key reforms introduced by the Federal Government in the defence sector.
According to her, the reforms include the re-enactment of the DICON Act, expansion of public-private partnerships, technology transfer initiatives, and increased collaboration with indigenous and foreign defence-related industries to boost local production capacity.
Mowarin further identified major challenges confronting the sector, including inadequate funding, dependence on foreign technology, and difficulties in sourcing raw materials locally.
She, however, noted that efforts were ongoing to revitalise local steel production and strengthen technology transfer agreements with foreign partners to enhance Nigeria’s indigenous defence manufacturing capability.
Responding on behalf of the delegation, the leader of the Ghanaian team, Colonel Fiifi Deegbe, expressed appreciation to the Ministry for the warm reception and extensive engagements provided during their visit to Nigeria.
He said visits to military formations in Kaduna and various service headquarters had offered valuable learning opportunities and deeper insight into Nigeria’s defence operations and industrial development efforts.
Deegbe commended the Ministry for its detailed briefings, transparency, and commitment towards advancing indigenous defence production and regional security cooperation.
He added that ongoing developments within Nigeria’s defence sector signalled significant progress towards military advancement across Africa.
Also speaking, a representative of Senior Course 47, Major Kuntu Blankson, said the college looked forward to sustained collaboration with the Ministry in the area of knowledge sharing and professional development.
He also appreciated the management of the college for facilitating the study tour to Nigeria.
